Be generous with support of Girl Scout cookie sales

Few of us give much thought to the transaction when a Girl Scout approaches us about buying a box - or several boxes - of cookies at this time of the year.

Most of us gladly reach into our pockets or purses and pull out a few dollars to hand over, secure in the knowledge that we're helping a good cause - and obtaining some tasty treats in the bargain.

Indeed, the organization relies heavily on the cookie sales to finance 60 percent of the array of programs offered by Girl Scouts.

Last year, some 3,800 Girl Scouts in Northeast Georgia helped support their organization by selling 434,000 boxes of cookies. That amounts to $1.19 million in gross sales.

But just as important as the money itself are the lessons the cookie sales program teach the young women of tomorrow.

They learn how to deal with the public, how to muster the courage to approach new people, how to handle money and, sometimes, how to handle disappointment and rejection.

But most important of all, they learn the value of contributing their own time and energy to an enterprise that they value and get something out of - Girl Scouts.

When we buy those delectable Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Trefoils or Lemon Drop cookies, we contribute to the development of a young girl in two ways, through underwriting the costs of scouting, and by encouraging self reliance and responsibility.

When a Girl Scout approaches you about buying cookies, be generous with your support. Few government-run programs will ever offer the return on your investment in our youth that you'll see from the Girl Scouts.